Sarjoo confident Demerara can repeat against Berbice

By Clifton Ross

Demerara Under-19 Coach Rohan Sarjoo said he is pleased by his team’s brilliance following their innings and 56-run win over the National U17 Select XI, adding that he is not worried by round two opponents, Berbice.
The ex-Guyana player told Guyana Times Sport on the eve of round two that he was happy with how his team handled their first assignment as they completely outplayed the U17 Select at the Everest Cricket Club (ECC) Ground.
He believed that with the momentum and form his players showed in the first game, coupled with his three national players, Demerara can repeat against Berbice what they did to the U17 team.

“Its basic cricket we need to play, it’s just as we played against the Under-17’s, you just have to stick to the basics and do what you have to do. You have to bowl the ball in the right areas and when you get the opportunity to bat, you stand and bat as we did in the first round”, said Sarjoo.
Demerara chalked up 489-8 and were only required to bat once after Bhaskar Yadram slammed a record 301 not out and opener Adrian Hinds stroked a classy 94 but was unfortunate to miss out on a ton while Windies U19 spinner Ashmead Nedd ended with 8 wickets in the match.
Sarjoo said these performances were attributed to the high level of fitness the young player’s exhibit these days. “They have to be fit unless you are not going to get those types of performances, young Yadram is not 100 % fit but he still got out there and did what he had to do. So the key to success, if you don’t have discipline and you’re not fit then you will not get far in cricket”.
Coupled with marinating high levels of fitness and dedication to training, the coach pointed out that it all comes down to temperament and most times discipline; which plays a key role in overall team success.
“A player’s discipline and attitude will take them where they have to go, that is what I tell my players. You have to be disciplined in this game and when you’re playing cricket, especially 3-Day it’s not a rush you have to take your time. Obviously you will have some hiccups, but you have to be patient because we are dealing with youngsters”, added Sarjoo.
While the Coach said he was looking for more from his other batters, one of the players Sarjoo said he was impressed by was the wicket-keeper Hinds whose batting skill and glove-work made a lasting impression. “I’m very surprised because this is the second time I’m seeing this youngster Adrian Hinds and he has impressed me a lot”.
Sarjoo continued “He’s a very good youngster and he has a far way to go if he keeps doing what he’s doing. He did well by keeping and I believe that is the next future star Guyana will find, because the young man takes his cricket serious”.
Although the champs have made a loud statement by easily whipping the U17 team, Berbice regardless of Demerara’s personal feelings towards the encounter will be in for a huge fight come Saturday and the Coach admitted that they will need to tighten up; especially with their bowling.
“We will be looking to improve on the bowling as we go along, the batting is good but I’m looking at the bowling. In the last game the fast-bowlers didn’t do anything so we will be looking to strengthen that area because it will help us with the points”. He ended.